Obituary of Donald Pittman

PITTMAN – Donald – The Loving Family of Donald Floyd Pittman (Firty-Free) would like to announce that their beloved husband and father Don age 82, passed away with family by his side on Friday, September 19, 2014 at the Kyle District Health Centre, Kyle, SK. Don was born on January 02, 1932 in Tuberose, SK, and was the fourth child of Isaiah and Emma Pittman. He was raised on the family farm (S.E. 32-21-16-W3) in the White Bear, SK. area until 1947 when his parent’s built & moved into a new house in Kyle, Don received his education at the school in the Twilight District and then in the two room school in Kyle. This was the start of “Little White Schoolhouse”. Many stories have been shared with the family of the mischievous actions taken with other farm boys to get out of school classes and Christmas concerts. After leaving school, he worked with several district farmers until the fall of 1951. At that time he went on the oil crew of W.D. Glen (a Calgary Company) operating in the Cabri area. His crew was given a week of Christmas holidays and were then moved to the Precision Drilling Rig, bringing online the well-known Oil Wells in the Fosterton District. In 1952 he farmed with his brother Clifford and in 1953 he went farming on his own and with the help of his dad they built a house on the land (S.E. 4-22-16 – W3) now known as the “family farm.” Over the years many more buildings were built and the little white house with the carport was surrounded with beautiful evergreen trees. Don and Virginia (Graham) were married on April 13, 1954 and soon after, the children began arriving, Linda (1955), Shari (1958), Warren (1960), Mark (Oct. 9, 1961), Deanna (1967). Mark was transferred to Saskatoon by air ambulance but passed away November 07, 1961 at the age of one month. In 1958 Don purchased five heifers and five steers pasturing them in the coulee adjacent to the farmyard. In the fall he placed his cattle into the Saskatoon Feeder Show placing 5th in each category. This was the start to his cattle feeding operation which continued until 1992. It was during this period in life when he received his nick name that is still known in the livestock world as “firty-free”. He could not pronounce his three’s correctly and a few livestock buyers picked up on it and gave him this nick name. In 1983, Don & Virginia built a new house in Kyle, so son Warren could also fulfill his dream of farming. Don continued farming until 2009 driving to and from Kyle each day. Don enjoyed curling, dancing, football games, hunting, skating with his children on the coulee dugout and cross country skiing. Don was a member on several committees: The White Bear Pool, Kyle Livestock Pool, Kyle United Church Board, Library Board, Past Master of Masonic Lodge, Kyle Elks, Kyle Fish and Game League and was always ready to lend a hand to whomever was in need. Don always made sure that Santa arrived at the Kyle District Health Centre on Christmas morning for the Residents! Don was also well noted for his jokes – sometimes with the punch line before the joke was over and sometimes completely forgetting it all together leaving the listener the task of trying to complete the joke for them & him!! Don’s health began failing and on Nov. 01, 2010, he became a Respite Resident in the Kyle District Health Centre and by November 17, 2010 was a full time resident until his passing. Many new friends were made and he enjoyed & participated in all the activities they provided for residents. A Celebration of Life Service was held in the Kyle United Church on Thursday Sept. 25, 2014 at 2:00 p.m. with the Rev. Jim MacNaughton officiating. Music was supplied by Pianist (Darlene Smith) and the United Church Choir – “No Tears in Heaven”, and Soloist Sandy Davidson sang “Amazing Grace”. Reading of the obituary by Lois Armstrong and Donalda Pegg. A “Tribute to Dad” was given by his children Linda, Shari, Warren and Deanna and concluded with the song “Daddy’s Hands” by Holly Dunn. On behalf of all Don’s Grandchildren & Great Grandchildren, Grandson, Jamie Woodrow, read “To Our Grandpa – 33 Memories of Firty- Free”. Scriptures Readers were Mike & George Graham (Virginia’s Nephews). Ushers were Kayne Pittman, Lyle Schuler and Danny Lang, Pallbearers and Rose Bearers were all his grandchildren. Honorary Pallbearers were all those who shared in Firty-Free’s (Don’s) life. Don was laid to rest by his Infant Son Mark at the White Bear Cemetery, White Bear, SK. Don was predeceased by his Son Mark Pittman, Parents – Isaiah and Emma, sisters Hazel Mutlow and Marie Pegg and Brother-in-Laws Roly Mutlow, Currie Pegg also his father and mother-in-law – Jim and Edna Graham, brothers and sisters in laws, Jim Graham, Gordon Ferne, Dick (Kay) Graham and Margaret (Fred) Neudecker; granddaughter’s – Arlee Woodrow and Emilee Pittman. He is survived by his wife Virginia, daughter Linda (Rod Woodrow), Shari (George Akister), son Warren (Wanda), daughter Deanna (Brendon Endicott). Grandchildren, Jamie (Jolie) Woodrow, Lisa O’Connor and Miranda Woodrow and Michael Akister (Fiancee Carrie Baker) and, Darren (Megan) Akister and Brittany, Conrad and Kylie Pittman and Shayla and Shawna Endicott; great-grandchildren Jada, Emersyn and Kade Woodrow, Luke, Shanelle and Mark O’Connor and Ryder Akister. Also survived by brother Cliff (Lavonne) Pittman and family. brother-in-law and sister-in-laws, Lee (June) Graham, Edna Ferne and Joan Graham. There are many more nieces and nephews, and 2nd cousins that were a huge part of uncle Don’s life. The UCW served lunch at the Kyle & Elks Community Hall. Arrangements entrusted to Parkside Memorial Funeral Home, Swift Current, SK. In Memory of Don (Firty-Free) Memorial Donations may be made to Kyle District Health Centre “Activity Fund” P.O. Box 70 Kyle, SK S0L 1T0 or to Kyle United Church “Memorial Fund” P.O. Box 443 Kyle, SK S0L 1T0.